Impersonal Touch Makes Job Search Tougher

May 10, 2009

I'm a bit intrigued about how this generation looks for a job.

I remember the days of presenting yourself to prospective employers so they could see that even if you were lacking in a bit of experience, you would make up for it with your ability and eagerness to learn. You can't see that on a website or in a cover letter.

So many people are unemployed. How frustrating for those who apply through websites such as CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com and never receive so much as an answer to their inquiries, or a phone number or the name of a person to speak with to follow up on their applications.

So, you plug along, searching the many sites, and sigh. Yes, there are thousands of people seeking the same job. I understand that. But I am all for looking the person in the eye, introducing yourself and explaining why you are the right person for the job, instead of letting some website do the talking for you.

It's frustrating and very depressing when you don't hear back from anyone. And, no, I'm not a senior citizen looking back on the good old days. I'm in my 40s. I do long for the days of hitting the pavement instead of the keyboard every morning without so much as a person to smile back at you when telling you there are no openings.